POSTCARD EXCHANGE UPDATE - IT'S COMING {WE NEED A FEW STATES FILLED}

Hey friends . . . long time no write.  'Tis the season to get behind, I guess.  I wanted to quickly touch base to let y'all know that I am helping sweet Cheryl over at Primary Graffiti with her annual postcard exchange.  Before you scroll to get signed up (it's VERY limited at this time) . . . let me explain.  We are officially full at this time.  If you just signed up with me . . . or with Cheryl earlier in the school year, expect an official address confirmation email to hit your inboxes NO later than Saturday.  Thanks for your interest my friends :)

So, Cheryl started this whole process awhile back and already hosted sign-ups. However, some personal issues kept her from finishing things up and she asked me to help her out this year.  This is such a cool project (I have helped in the past) and I couldn't turn her down.  I was honored that she asked ;)  

Let me be right up front about the states that we need.  There are only a handful of them (just 4 states to be exact).  Sorry folks . . . it's just too late in the game to get a second exchange up and going.  However, PLEASE mark those calendars for next late-July. We will be back to host once again and there will be additional opportunities to get in on the action.  Oh, and just to be clear here.  This is different than the PEN PAL PAIR UP that I host every summer.  I know I have confused people in the past (read the "fine print" to see what this one is all about).

On that note, we are looking for one teacher from each of the following states. If your state is NOT listed, we are full for your area :(  However, if you see your state's name . . . keep reading to find out how to sign up . . . 

Alaska

Delaware

New Hampshire

Oregon 

Before I get ahead of myself, I need to tell you that there is a commitment involved . . . please read the notes carefully to ensure that you wish to participate (it does require some ciz-ash on your part for postcards and postage).  If you have ANY reservations about this, please pass on signing up until your questions are answered.  We are looking for a solid commitment. Sorry to be a bit poopy here, but the kids are served SO much better when they receive a postcard from each state.  

Alright, moving on to the supplies needed . . . 49 postcards, 49 stamps, and 49 labels.  I know.  I know.  It seems like a lot, but it's well worth it . . . believe me!  You will receive 49 postcards in exchange!!  My kids flipped out every time I told them that we had "mail."

You may choose to purchase or create your postcards once we have confirmed that you are in the exchange.   I sent a design off to Vista Print to save myself the headache of searching for state postcards.  However, it's your call. Remember . . . this exchange DOES cost money.  Expect to spend about $30 for postcards, postage, and labels by the time you finish.  Again . . . I promise that it is worth the time and money!

Once we have ALL of the states filled, I will prepare the labels with each participants' name and address.  You can print them out and stick 'em to the cards . . . this way we will save you at least a little leg work :)

We suggest allowing students to have ownership of the exchange by creating a message with your class.  This way it will be more meaningful when your students receive their cards.  We usually put facts about our school and class as well as info about our state in our messages.  Both Cheryl and I prepared the messages on larger sticky labels and had the kids stick them to the cards. However, if you have older kiddos, you may choose to have them copy the message that y'all came up with.  

All cards must be mailed by December 31st.  I know that Christmas is a crazy time, but we gotta get this up and rolling NOW.  Hopefully, this date gives you a little cushion to fulfill your commitment to the exchange. Remember . . . Turkey Break and Christmas Vacay are BOTH hiding in this date range :) 

Finally today . . . once all of the slots are filled, we will send out an email confirmation (please do not order postcards or start the process until you have been confirmed).  We are hoping to have this process completed by early next week, but we will see how things go.  You will need to reply to our confirmation within 48 hours (we will be sure to post it on our blogs too).  If a response is not received we will have to offer up your slot to the next person who signed up for your state.  

After reading all of that and your state is listed above, maybe you are still game??  If yes, comment on this post and shoot me an email with your name and an address where you want the cards sent. . . kelleydolling@gmail.com.  I will get back to you today!!!!

Oh, and on a final, FINAL note . . . for all you alls that signed up back in August with Primary Graffiti . . . you may still be in the mix.  As soon as all of the slots are filled, I will be in touch with the teacher who signed up first from each state.  Sit tight my friends.  We should have this all ironed out by next weekend {fingers and toes crossed}.  I have a Thanksgiving Play tucked in the middle of the week, but I vow to find the time!  

Alright, my friends.  Have a wonderful Sunday.  I'll be back soon :)